James A. Rhodes Arena

As a Zip alumnus, returning here brings back memories that run over 20 years deep. Dambrot has been a 20 win monster for the last ten years and the program is in good hands with him. Unfortunately, the program hasn’t grown out of their 5000 seat arena. But that’s OK, intimate is good for smaller programs and the JAR provides a great facility for the students.
Free parking was pretty easy, mainly because it was winter break. It’s about a 5 – 10 minute walk from all the decks and lots. There are minimal, standard concessions in the stands by the entrance. You need to go upstairs to reach all sections. Stand until we score our first bucket and enjoy the game.
The JAR also provides classrooms for some of the classes (I remember having an Eastern Civ class downstairs). The track provides a good running venue in the winter. And there a plenty of courts for intramural basketball or volleyball. Go Zips!

I’m not a Zips fan, and among the many reasons that makes me thankful, the JAR is near the top. Even Akron fans hate this old dinosaur, which was outdated when it opened and has only gotten worse with age. The seats are uncomfortable — especially the bleachers, which are the majority of seating. Amenities? A couple of bathrooms per gender one concession area of typically mediocre fare. The atmosphere usually matches the arena, with even the best Zips teams failing to generate consistently good crowds. The players must wonder how many times they need to win 20+ games and make postseason tournaments for students and Akronites to care. My theory is that fans get tired of their chiropractic bills from the bleachers.